Tuesday 31 July 2007 18:51, UK
Colchester United are optimistic they will be able to secure the future of Kevin Lisbie.
Colchester United are hopeful they will be able to secure the future of Kevin Lisbie.
The former Charlton striker has been on trial at Layer Road during pre-season and has been involved in all of Colchester's friendlies as they prepare for the new campaign.
Lisbie, 28, has impressed U's manager Geraint Williams during his time with the club and contract negotiations are underway.
"We are in negotiations with Kevin. Of course we are hoping to sign him," Williams told the East Anglian Daily Times.
Lisbie burst on to the Premier League scene with a hat-trick for Charlton in a 3-2 win against Liverpool in 2003, but he failed to establish himself at The Valley.
Williams has also revealed there is a chance Hungarian international defender Bela Balogh could still be playing for Colchester next season.
The 22-year-old centre-back has been training with the club, but Williams had previously suggested a permanent move was unlikely because the terms of the deal did not suit Colchester.
However, Williams has not ruled out a temporary move for the MTK Hungaria player.
"The original deal was not right for Colchester United," Williams added.
"His club in Hungary wanted him to sign a permanent contract for a substantial fee. That did not seem right.
"But we are still open to options. There could be another way, such as Bela coming to us on loan."
